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MORTAR
FOR
BRICKWORK
Contents Page
INTRODUCTION 03
SCOPE OF DOCUMENT 03
SELECTION OF MORTAR 04
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 04
JOINT PROFILE 05
MORTAR COMPONENTS 06
MORTAR TYPES 10
INTRODUCTION
Mortar is a workable paste used to bind
bricks and other masonry units together.
A mortar joint acts as a sealant, a bearing
pad, the glue that sticks the units together
yet keeps them apart and, in this sense,
performs as a gap-filling adhesive.
Its role is also to seal irregular gaps
between masonry and provide a barrier to
the passage of moisture.
The correct designation of mortar is vitally
important in providing not only strength
to the wall construction but also durability
against water ingress.
SCOPE OF DOCUMENT
This document provides an overview of
considerations and options when selecting
mortars, including the joint profiles.
There is also a summary of the constituent
parts of mortar and the different factors
which can affect workability and
performance.
Finally there is an explanation of the
available mortar types , including traditional Amsterdam residence. Levs Architecten
lime mortars.
SELECTION OF MORTAR
Mortar accounts for approximately 17.5% of the brickwork built in stretcher bond and
therefore it is important to consider the correct selection of mortar, which can be designed
or prescribed in accordance with BS EN 998-2, Specification for mortar for masonry.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
When selecting mortar, the designer should
give careful consideration to the following
characteristics:
• Appearance - joint profile and colour
• Structural requirements
• Type of construction and position in the
building
• Degree of exposure
• Compatibility between brick and mortar
strength
• Reference to table 15 in PD 6697 and
Annex B.2 BS EN 1996-2 Mortar being delivered to site
Mortar for brickwork can be divided in to two groups; designed mortars and prescribed
mortars.
DESIGNED MORTARS
The composition and manufacturing method is selected by the producer to achieve
specified properties. Designed mortars are classified by their compressive strength.
PRESCRIBED MORTARS
Prescribed mortars are made in pre-determined proportions, the properties of which
are assumed from the stated proportions of the constituents and are classified by
designations. It is difficult to state categorically that the proportions can be equated to
the strength intimated in Table 1 on page 10 but it is sufficient as a guide.
FLUSH JOINT
This is the simplest but potentially least durable.
As this joint has not been compressed by a
finishing tool it should not be used in areas of
severe exposure.
RECESSED JOINT
The maximum depth of the recess should
not exceed 4mm and should be ironed to
compress the joint’s surface. When using this
joint profile consideration should be given to
the exposure of the wall and brick type.
MORTAR COMPONENTS
SAND
Sand is the major component in mortar and correct choice of well graded sand in the
correct quantity is important. A good quality building sand should always be used. Sand
with a high percentage of fine particles or containing clay/silt will require additional water
in the mortar mix, produce a weak mortar, provide reduced durability and may result in
shrinkage of the mortar.
WATER CONTENT
Variations in the water suction rate of bricks can adversely affect bricklaying. The
wetness of the mortar mix can be increased or reduced to maintain a consistent level
of moisture whilst laying. Only with high suction rate bricks in warm weather conditions
should dunking (or wetting) of the bricks be considered. If it is undertaken the bricks
should not be soaked and only clean fresh water should be used to avoid soluble salt
contamination.
WORKABILITY
Mortars that contain only cement and sand tend to be coarse and have poor workability.
If additional water is added to improve workability, this will have a negative effect on
strength and drying shrinkage. The addition of lime will increase workability, reduce the
water requirement and improve strength and resistance to shrinkage within mortar beds.
ADMIXTURES
There are a number of different types of commercially available admixtures that can be
added to mortar to enhance workability and performance. All admixtures’ use should be
strictly controlled and in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions on dosage.
Primarily admixtures are used to retard the set of mortar when conditions require this or
provide air entrainment to assist workability and prevent shrinkage within mortar joints.
Air entrainment plasticisers are used to replace lime within the mix. Excessive use of this
admixture will have a negative effect on durability weather-tightness due to increased
porosity especially when used in pointing mortar. Air entrainment additives should not be
used in conjunction with masonry cements which already contain lime as a plasticiser.
Washing-up liquids and any additives containing calcium chloride should not be used as
they can weaken the mortar and contribute to efflorescence staining.
PERMEABILITY
Cement rich mortars (strong) will provide better resistance to water penetration but offer
less resistance to shrinkage within the mortar. Proper selection of building sand with good
grading will reduce the amount of voids between the sand particles. However weak mortars
containing less cement will not bond all the sand particle, therefore allowing water to penetrate
more easily. Uneven mixing of mortar will also result in a poor distribution of cement in areas
of the mortar mix and may lead to rain penetration under certain conditions of moderate
exposure.
For further information on design
considerations please refer to BDA
document Severely Exposed Brickwork.
WEATHER
Mortar should not be used in construction
if environmental conditions are 2oC and
falling. Water in the mix will freeze and result
in poor strength and increased porosity
(reduced resistance to the passage of
water). Frozen mortar should be discarded
and any unfrozen mortar should not be
used on frozen bricks.
Mixed mortar as well as freshly laid mortar
should always be protected from inclement
weather and never “knock up” mortar once
it has started to set.
For further information on workmanship
please refer to BDA document Good Site
Practice and Workmanship. Protecting mortar from inclement weather is essential
MORTAR TYPES
For building mortars, one volume of cement is required for 3 volumes of sand to give a
durable workable mix. However this strength of mortar is not always required. To maintain
workability and performance of weaker mixes, the addition of lime or air entraining
plasticisers should be used.
Care should be taken to follow manufacturers’ instructions on dosage of plasticisers as
overdosing will result in porosity and reduce the ability to resist water ingress.
CEMENT:LIME:SAND
This type of mortar provides good workability, water retention, adhesion and resistance
to hairline cracking caused through drying shrinkage. It should be noted that all products
containing cement will shrink to a certain degree during the drying phase. Sand should
conform to the requirements of BS EN 13139 and be free of contaminants such as silt
or clay deposits. Lime should be hydrated lime to the requirements of BS EN 459-1.
Cements should conform to BS EN 197-1.
MASONRY CEMENT:SAND
Masonry cement is manufactured using Portland cement, plasticisers and air entraining
agents ground together. The additives include limestone and hydrated lime which provide
increased workability and durability. As these additives are already being incorporated,
any additional additives used at time of mix could lead to accidental overdosing of air-
entrainment and have a negative effect on the durability against water ingress.
Manufacturer’s instructions on both masonry cement and admixture packaging should
be strictly adhered to.
MORTAR TYPES
AIR ENTRAINED CEMENT:SAND
Air-entrainment admixtures in a mix provide an alternative to the use of lime to obtain
improved workability in Portland cement: sand mixes.
AIR ENTRAINED CEMENT:LIME:SAND
Air-entraining admixtures, when added to Portland cement:sand:lime mixes provide good
durability and is suitable for a number of applications.
MORTAR TYPES
FACTORY PRODUCED SILO MORTAR
These offer a range of mix proportions and overcome many potential problems relating
to site mixing. The silo, containing the dry powder mix, is delivered to site complete with
integral mixer. Once power and water supplies are connected, mortar can be produced
as required. The rate at which water is added can be controlled to achieve the required
consistency.
Two-Compartment Silo – These are transportable silos with two sealed compartments
that are filled by the producer with the required amounts of sand and cement. The
mixing ratio is calibrated before delivery to ensure mix proportions are to the customer’s
requirements.
Liquid admixtures and pigment may be added to the mixer by means of a metered pump.
Single Compartment Silo – This is a single compartment transportable silo that is filled by
the producer with dried sands, cement, lime if required and other admixtures, pigments
or additives premixed to customer’s requirements.
In all cases the use of admixtures should be in accordance with the recommendations of
the mortar manufacturer.
COLOURED MORTAR
A wide range of light-fast colours and shades is available and these are supplied by
leading manufacturers. These materials are specified in BS EN 12878 Pigments for
building materials based on cement and/or lime.
Even though the pigments are chemically stable and do not significantly change their hue,
all cement based materials can change their appearance over time. Coloured mortars
may be more conspicuous by these changes. For example, efflorescence or lime bloom
will look far more noticeable on dark mortars.
The control of variables when producing consistently coloured mortars is important. The
specification of factory produced mortars ensures minimal colour variation. Mixing on site
requires care in mixture proportions and consistency of the base materials, both cement
and the aggregate as well as the pigment. Often pigmented mortars can appear patchy
until fully dried.
MORTAR TYPES
TRADITIONAL LIME MORTAR
Also known as natural lime mortar, these types of mortars are made with sand using lime
as the binder.
There are 2 basic types of lime for use in these types of mortars:
Non hydraulic limes- also known as lime putty, have a very slow setting process taking
several weeks to gain a basic working strength. These are wet products whose setting
is dependent on air not water. The lime reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to
produce a hardened calcium carbonate. It can be stored for years in an airtight container
or under water thereby preventing the reaction with carbon dioxide.
Hydraulic limes – are dry powders that react and set with water. They therefore must be
stored in a dry environment to prevent setting before use due to reaction with atmospheric
moisture.
Natural hydraulic limes (NHL), are classified in three ascending numerical grades of
compressive strength at 28 days, expressed in N/mm2 (Newtons per square millimeter),
as:
BS EN 197-1: 2011 Cement. Composition, specification and conformity criteria for common cements.
BS EN 845-1, Specification for ancillary components for masonry – Part 1: Ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets
BS EN 845-3, Specification for ancillary components for masonry – Part 3: Bed joint reinforcement of steel meshwork
BS EN 934-3: 2009 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout. Admixtures for masonry mortar. Definitions, requirements,
conformity, marking and labelling.
BS EN 1996-1-1:2005, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry structures – Part 1-1: General rules for reinforced and unreinforced
masonry
structures
BS EN 1996-1-2:2005 Eurocode 6. Design of masonry structures. General rules. Structural fire design
BS EN 1996-2:2006, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry structures – Part 2: Design considerations, selection of materials and
execution of masonry
BS EN 1996-3:2006 Eurocode 6. Design of masonry structures. Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry
structures
BS EN 12878: 2014 Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement and/or lime. Specifications and methods
of test
PD 6697:2010, Recommendations for the design of masonry structures to BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2
BS 4551: 2005 + A2 (2013), Mortar. Methods of test for mortar. Chemical analysis and physical testing.
BS 8103:2013, Structural design of low-rise buildings – Part 2: Code of practice for masonry walls for housing
Published by the Brick Development Association. The BDA are committed to providing impartial and authoritative
information. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy and quality of information and guidance when it is
published. However we can take no responsibility for the subsequent use of this information, nor for any errors
or omissions it may contain.